The Minister approved this conservation advice on 26/3/2015 and transferred this species from the endangered to the critically endangered category, effective from 9/4/2015.

Conservation Advice Eucalyptus recurva Mongarlowe mallee

Taxonomy

Conventionally accepted as Eucalyptus recurva Crisp (Crisp, 1988).

Conservation status Critically endangered: Criterion 2 B1, (a),(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v); Criterion 3 B,(a),(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v); Criterion 4 (a).

Species can be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation. For information on the listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation, see http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

Reason for conservation assessment by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee Eucalyptus recurva was listed as endangered under the predecessor to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act), the Environment Protection Act, and transferred to the EPBC Act in June 2000.

This advice follows assessment of information gathered through the Commonwealth’s Species Information Partnership with NSW, which is aimed at systematically reviewing species that are inconsistently listed under the EPBC Act and the relevant State list.

Description The Mongarlowe mallee is a multi-stemmed mallee eucalypt. Individuals grow between 1.5 m and 4.2 m in height. The stems have smooth, orange-brown to grey bark and arise from a substantial lignotuberous root system, which can be up to 7.5 m x 12 m in diameter. Adult leaves, 2.8 cm long and 0.7 cm broad, are opposite (i.e. two leaves arise at the same node, on opposite sides of the stem) and have many oil glands. The adult leaves are narrow-elliptic in shape, tapering at both ends, with the tips conspicuously curved downwards. Seedling leaves, 1.3 – 3.0 cm long and 0.7 – 1.6 cm wide, are opposite, broad elliptic to obovate in shape with a blunt leaf tip. The Mongarlowe mallee has white flowers, approximately 5.5 mm long, which are arranged in clusters of three on a common stalk. The fruits of the Mongarlowe mallee are depressed-hemispherical woody capsules (gum-nuts). Flowering occurs for a period of approximately two weeks, usually commencing in the second week of January (DECC, 2010).

Distribution The Mongarlowe mallee is known from four sites within the Southern Tablelands of NSW. Three of these sites are located near Mongarlowe and one is near Windellama (approximately 30 km from the Mongarlowe sites). There are six known plants, one at each of the three sites near Mongarlowe and three individuals at the site near Windellama (DECC, 2010; NSW OEH, 2012a). The three sites near Mongarlowe each support a single plant (each plant is approximately 2 km apart) and the site near Windellama supports three individuals, two are 10 m apart and one is approximately 40 m from the other two. It is possible that two plants located near Windellama, located 10 m apart, are identical genotypes that originated from a common rootstock and spread in different directions. The first botanical specimen of this species was collected from one of the Mongarlowe plants in 1985 and the species was described in 1988. The other two Mongarlowe plants were discovered in 1990 and 2001 respectively, and the three plants at Windellama were discovered in 1994, 2001 and 2010 respectively (DECC, 2010). Eucalyptus recura (Mongarlow mallee) Conservation Advice Page 1 of 8 The species’ extent of occurrence is no more than 30 km² and its area of occupancy is 16 km² (NSW OEH, 2012b). All occurrences of the species are within largely uncleared land that is unsuitable for agriculture, therefore it is not likely that it has been been reduced in numbers through human activities such as land clearance (DECC, 2010). The species appears to be relictual. Eucalyptus recurva is not known to occur in any conservation reserves in New South Wales (NSW OEH, 2012b).

Cultural Significance Not known.

Relevant Biology/Ecology The Mongarlowe mallee is found in low heathland and in some cases at the margins of heathland and adjacent low woodland. All sites are on gentle slopes, with shallow soil consisting of pale-grey sandy loam overlying white or grey clay (DECC, 2010). The size and spread of the lignotubers (woody underground structures) suggests that the existing plants are of considerable age, probably several hundred years (hence the species is also commonly known as the “Ice Age Gum”). It is considered possible that all six plants may continue to live several hundreds of years in the absence of threats. Of the six mature individuals, four are known to have flowered in at least some years and two have not yet been observed to flower or bear fruit capsules. No seedling establishment has been observed at any of the known sites (DECC, 2010). Persistence of the species appears to depend on the possibly limited reproductive capacity of the six remaining adult plants. The Mongarlowe mallee is almost certainly insect pollinated, with visitation of the flowers by several species of beetles, moths, flies, hover flies and native bees being observed during the flowering period. Rates of natural seed set are extremely low. Only a small number of fruit capsules have been found on the various plants at the time of their discoveries. The most recently discovered plant near Mongarlowe had relatively more capsules per branchlet than the other plants. These naturally pollinated capsules contained an average of only 0.6 viable seeds per capsule (Briggs, pers. comm., cited in DECC, 2010). The species has proven to be extremely sensitive to the effects of bagging branchlets as a technique to exclude insect pollinators and hybridisation from cross fertilisation when attempting hand pollination (Briggs, pers. comm., 2014). Hand pollination work without bagging has produced mature fruit and seedlings which appear to be a mix of pure Mongarlowe mallee and hybrids. This progeny awaits results of genetic analysis to determine that pure Mongarlowe mallee plants have been produced, which can then be used to assist recovery (Briggs, pers. comm., 2014). Attempts to date of propagation from tissue culture have failed (Briggs, pers. comm., 2014). The results of the 2001-2 hand pollination trials suggest that for some of the Mongarlowe mallee plants, physical separation and lack of pollen from unrelated individuals of this species may be the major cause of low natural seed production (DECC, 2010).

Threats A major threat to the plant that was first found near Mongarlowe is visitation pressures, including the collection of plant material, soil compaction, and other associated habitat damage. Vehicle damage is also a threat to this plant, since a track and recreational vehicles have previously damaged shoots sprouting from the lignotuber. Such visitation and vehicular traffic poses the risk of introduction of soil-borne fungal pathogens such as Phytopthera cinnamomi. Although the exact locations of most of the Mongarlowe mallee plants are currently not widely known, threats associated with increased visitation pressures are likely to occur if visitation is not controlled (DECC, 2010).

Eucalyptus recurva (Mongarlowe mallee) Conservation Advice Page 2 of 8 At the Windellama site, the main threat to the two plants has been past habitat loss and degradation associated with clay mining and associated activities that have operated since 1995. Impacts included altered drainage, silt deposition near and around the base of the plants and dust deposition on the foliage (DECC, 2010). The very small number of individuals makes this species highly susceptible to random events (e.g., disease). All individuals occur on private land. Most current owners are supportive of protecting this species; however future owners of the properties may not be as supportive of the protection of the species (NSW OEH, 2012a).

How judged by the Committee in relation to the EPBC Act Criteria and Regulations

Criterion 1: Reduction in numbers (based on any of A1 – A4)

A1. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 90%, severe 70% substantial 50% size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased, based on (and specifying) any of the following: (a) direct observation (b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon (c) a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat (d) actual or potential levels of exploitation (e) the effects of introduced taxa, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, competitors or parasites.

A2. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.

A3. A population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%, projected or suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer (up to a maximum of 100 years), based on (and specifying) any of (b) to (e) under A1.

A4. An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%over any 10 year or three generation period, whichever is longer (up to a maximum of 100 years in the future), where the time period must include both the past and the future, and where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.

Evidence The six mature individuals occurring within four known sites on the Southern Tablelands of NSW were discovered between 1985 and 2010. All occurrences of the species are within largely uncleared land that is unsuitable for agriculture, therefore it is not likely that that it has been reduced in numbers through human activities such as land clearance (DECC, 2010). The species appears to be relictual. While all individual plants have persisted since their discovery at various times in the last 4–29 years, longer term trends in the population are unknown. Individual plants are too far apart from each other to enable cross pollination to occur, preventing viable seed production and recruitment (NSW OEH, 2012b) and survival of the species currently appears dependent on the survival of existing adults, most of which appear to be already of a great age (DECC, 2010). In addition, a number of threats are impacting upon the species (as outlined in the threats section above). It is therefore likely that the species will decline in the future. However, there are insufficient data available to quantitatively determine past or future rates of decline for the purposes of this criterion i.e. whether the reduction would be very severe, severe, substantial, or not substantial and within Eucalyptus recurva (Mongarlowe mallee) Conservation Advice Page 3 of 8 a period of three generations. The Committee considers there is currently insufficient information for this taxon to be eligible for listing under this criterion.

Criterion 2: Geographic distribution (based on either of B1 or B2) B1. Extent of occurrence estimated to be very restricted <100 km2, restricted <5000 km2 or limited < 20 000 km2 B2. Area of occupancy estimated to be very restricted <10 km2, restricted <500 km2 or limited <2000 km2 AND Geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species, (based on at least two of a–c) a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location. b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals. c. Extreme fluctuations in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Evidence Eligible for listing as critically endangered: Criterion 2 B1, (a),(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(v). The species is only known to occur at four sites on the Southern Tablelands of NSW. The species extent of occurrence is no more than 30 km² and its area of occupancy is 16 km² (NSW OEH, 2012b).This is considered to be a ‘very restricted’ distribution. The three sites near Mongarlowe are approximately 2 km apart, and at the site near Windellama (approximately 30 km from the Mongarlowe sites) the three plants are 10–40 m apart (DECC, 2010). All individuals are too far apart from each other to enable cross pollination to occur, preventing viable seed production and recruitment (NSW OEH, 2012b). As such, the species is considered to be severely fragmented. In addition, a number of threats are impacting upon the species (as outlined in the threats section above). Given the above, the Committee considers that a decline in the number of mature individuals, the area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and quality of habitat is projected.

Criterion 3: The estimated total number of mature individuals is very low <250, low <2500 or limited<10 000; and either of (A) or (B) is true

(A) evidence suggests that the number will continue to decline at a very high (25% in 3 years or 1 generation (up to 100 years), whichever is longer), high (20% in 5 years or 2 generations(up to 100 years), whichever is longer) or substantial (10% in 10 years or 3 generations years), whichever is longer(up to 100) rate; or

(B) the number is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival (based on at least two of a – c): a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location. b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence Eucalyptus recurva (Mongarlowe mallee) Conservation Advice Page 4 of 8 (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals. c. Extreme fluctuations in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals

Evidence

Eligible for listing as critically endangered: Criterion 3 B,(a),(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(v). There are six mature individuals occurring within known localities. It is possible that two of these six plants are identical genotypes that originated from a common rootstock (DECC, 2010). This is below the threshold for a ‘very low’ number of mature individuals. The species occurs in a limited location and its geographic distribution is severely fragmented. As no recruitment is known to be occurring, and a number of threats are impacting upon the species (as outlined in the threats section above), continuing decline in the number of mature individuals, the area of occupancy and extent of occurrence is projected. Given the above, the Committee considers the species’ geographic distribution to be precarious for its survival.

Criterion 4: Estimated total number of mature individuals: (a) Extremely low < 50 (b) Very low < 250 (c) Low < 1000

Evidence Eligible for listing as critically endangered: Criterion 4 (a). There are six mature individuals occurring within known localities. It is possible that two of these six plants are identical genotypes that originated from a common rootstock (DECC, 2010). Given the above, the Committee considers the number of mature individuals to be extremely low.

Criterion 5: Probability of extinction in the wild based on quantitative analysis is at least: (a) 50% in the immediate future, 10 years or three generations (whichever is longer); or (b) 20% in the near future, 20 year or five generations (whichever is longer); or (c) 10% in the medium-term future, within 100 years.

Evidence

Not applicable: population viability analysis has not been undertaken.

Eucalyptus recurva (Mongarlowe mallee) Conservation Advice Page 5 of 8 Public Consultation Notice of the proposed amendment was made available for public comment for a minimum of 30 business days between 8 May 2014 and 20 June 2014. Any comments received that are relevant to the survival of the species have been considered by the Committee.

Recovery Plan There is a national recovery plan in place for the Mongarlowe mallee (DECC, 2010) and this plan should be retained and updated as required. This recovery plan currently directs conservation and recovery actions.

Recovery and Impact avoidance guidance

Primary Conservation Objectives 1. Maintain and protect existing individual plants 2. Protect and enhance habitat to provide potential for reproduction of existing plants 3. Assist recovery of the species by increasing the number of individuals and site locations.

Important populations and habitat for the survival of the species Given the extremely low population size of the Mongarlowe mallee, all individuals and the habitat they occupy is important to the survival of this species.

Information required and research priorities Assist recovery of the species by increasing number of individuals and site locations 1. Undertake genetic analyses to determine:  the number of genetically distinct individuals,  confirm that some of the progeny resulting from hand pollination work is genetically pure, and  identify the other eucalypt species which have hybridized with the Mongarlowe mallee during hand pollination work. 2. Undertake additional combinations of hand pollination between the four flowering individuals. 3. Undertake further vegetative propagation trials to determine the requirements for successful establishment.

Management actions required Maintain and protect existing individual plants, and protect and enhance habitat to provide potential for reproduction of existing plants 1. Consult private landholders with the Mongarlowe mallee on their properties and develop site-specific management actions and the timescale for implementation. In the longer term, formal protection of the sites on private land will be sought through the promotion of Voluntary Conservation Agreements or other mechanisms.

Eucalyptus recurva (Mongarlowe mallee) Conservation Advice Page 6 of 8 2. Erect exclusion fencing or other barriers at known sites, as appropriate, to prevent accidental damage from vehicles and potentially stock (in the event of a change in land management).

3. Manage access to known sites, in particular through limiting vehicle access to the sites. 4. Implement an appropriate fire management regime for protecting remaining individuals and habitat. 5. Control and manage the collection of plant material, for example by minimising the number of people who know the exact location of individual plants.

6. Implement suitable hygiene protocols to protect known sites from outbreaks of disease/fungi/parasites, such as the disease caused by the introduced plant root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. 7. Manage sites to identify, control and reduce the spread of invasive species.

Assist recovery of the species by increasing the number of individuals and site locations 1. Undertake survey work in suitable habitat and potential habitat to locate any additional populations/occurrences/remnants. 2. If possible, establish ex-situ populations within suitable natural habitat. 3. If vegetative propagation is successful, establish and maintain ex-situ populations in botanic gardens.

General  Support and enhance existing monitoring programs. All individuals should be visited annually to detect any decline in health or the adjoining habitat condition, as well as to detect new threats.  Monitor the progress and effectiveness of management actions and the need to adapt them if necessary.

Recommendations

(i) The Committee recommends that the list referred to in section 178 of the EPBC Act be amended by transferring from the endangered category to the critically endangered category:

Eucalyptus recurva

(ii) The Committee recommends that the current recovery plan should be retained and updated as required.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee

3/9/2014

Eucalyptus recurva (Mongarlowe mallee) Conservation Advice Page 7 of 8 References cited in the advice

Briggs J (2014). Personal communication by email, September 2014, Eucalyptus recurva accountable officer, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

Crisp MD (1988). Eucalyptus recurva (Myrtaceae), a new species from the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Telopea 3(2): 223, Figs 1-2 [tax. nov.]

Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) 2010. National Recovery Plan for Eucalyptus recurva, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Hurstville.

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (NSW OEH) (2012a), Mongarlowe Mallee – Profile. Available on the internet at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10310

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (NSW OEH) (2012b). Eucalyptus recurva – critically endangered species listing: NSW Scientific Committee – final determination. Available on the internet at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/eucalyptusrecurvaFD.htm

Eucalyptus recurva (Mongarlowe mallee) Conservation Advice Page 8 of 8